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Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?

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Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit? As the battle to settle for the successor of Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa rages on, there is a burning desire amongst Deltans to opt for a trustworthy and reliable politician with the resume to match the performance of Chief James Ibori and Felix Ibru who were past Governors of Delta State.
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
Against this backdrop, the rumbling clamor as to which Senatorial District would produce the next Governor in 2023 was nipped in the bud when the Delta State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) zoned the same to Delta Central Senatorial District.
The decision was in keeping with the zoning formula hitherto adopted during the Ibori-led administration which saw the rotation of power between the three Senatorial Districts in the State.
Delta 2023: If not Gbagi, who else does the cap fit?
The agreement in view of the PDP’s recent consensus remains unbroken and nipped mounting pressures of requests for zoning on the basis of ethnicity, one which otherwise would have been counterproductive and damaging for the party.
Those who met to agree on the zoning of the Governorship to Delta Central reached the agreement after resolving to reject the imposition of a candidate on the party by major power brokers within the State.
It was gathered that doing so would encourage persons with the requisite credentials to be projected on the basis of merit and past achievements, and nothing short of same, so as to sustain the tempo of development already stirred by previous administrations.
So far, out of those who have indicated interest to contest the Governorship election in 2023, only one stands out in view of his visible track records which sets him aside from his contemporaries.
It is however embarrassing that some whose foot prints are yet to be seen in their constituencies, and do not have the requisite competence or what takes to win such elections are warming up to indicate interest to contest.
What is even more disturbing is the fact that these persons are present appointees of the state government without the required financial wherewithal to slug it out with the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to ensure a win at the polls.
Other considerations which they do not meet are those anchored on their contributions to the development of their immediate communities and how much they’ve done to improve the lives of citizens in the state.
No doubt, some of them will be put to shame at the poll, particularly those planted to disempower opponents whose status or position stands a threat to their devious schemings.
Unfortunately, some very desperate ones have resorted to using blackmail in order to stop competent candidates from contesting the governorship election in 2023.
It will be crude, barbaric and oppressive if at this time, some politicians still believe that imposition and Godfatherism is a better source of winning election. This method does not show one’s popularity, capability and competency in governance.
A typical example was in the 2015 governorship election when David Edevbie was openly supported by the incumbent governor and the majority of his ethnic group, but was defeated at the primaries.
He lost woefully to the present Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa because he (Okowa) is more popular and resourceful. This is also not to leave out the support Okowa enjoyed from people like Kenneth Gbagi, a serial industrialist and one-time Minister for Education.
It is also disturbing that some people who may not have known much, have started dancing around these characters who lack effective leadership qualities needed to actualize good governance in the State.
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, most politicians whose only source of income is politics do not think of investing in their respective states so as to provide employment for the teeming youths. Rather, they focus their energies on how to be rotated in political offices. A few of them who tried to have investments preferred to do so in Europe and other African countries than Nigeria.
Deltans will forever remember some of our indigenous industrialists like Edewor, Uloho, Ibru, Onosode and so on. Others who share their vision include Aliko Dangote, Dantata, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Kenneth Gbagi, Igbenedion among others who continue to provide employment in the country.
With Kenneth Gbagi fully keyed into contesting the Governorship election in Delta State, the aspirations of unpopular contestants can only come to reality if Gbagi who believes in philanthropy and Job creation lacks the same credentials.
Apart from possessing the qualities of compassion and empathy, his zeal for job creation places him as the most prepared and qualified aspirant within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who satisfies the zoning formula.
Gbagi’s support and contribution towards the growth of the PDP since its inauguration in 1999 attests to his commitment and sacrifice made over the years as a reliable party man.
When the cry of hunger caused by the lockdown ravaged the homes of Deltans, Kenneth Gbagi rose to the occasion as the first and only business mogul and politician who used his personal money to buy food items of various kinds as palliatives across the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
He went as far as paying the bills of patients in various hospitals and also provided money to cover surgical costs for sick people who are with chronic ailments. The masses are easily satisfied. They require jobs and stability to make them happy.
Gbagi’s empathy for humanity manifested severally in appeals to the federal government to intensify efforts on how the incessant killings in Southern kaduna, the attacks of Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen as well as the evils perpetrated by bandits in the Northern region of the country. This also included appeals on behalf of victims of flooding in several communities in Delta state.
Kenneth Gbagi’s role as a former Minister of State for Education went beyond the functions and activities of the ministry. He spent time to keep watch on the infrastructure which the Federal Government situated in his constituency and Delta State.
He also worked assiduously to see that the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE) Ugbomro-Effurun was commissioned for learning and equipped with required facilities and equipment needed for smooth take off.  He also objected to the relocation of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun to Kaduna.
To further demonstrate that he is one whose tenure as Governor will not be regretted, he came home with the approval of Government Girls College to Oginibo, an Urhobo town in Delta State.
Going by the above accounts, those who misunderstood or were misinformed of the saga at the Signatious hotel, Effurun, appear skeptical in giving him maximum support towards his governorship ambition. Such persons in their interest should have a reset of their impressions, especially as the truth and reasons for such allegations have been exposed as the handiwork of political blackmailers.
Kenneth Gbagi’s lifestyle exudes love and empathy for his people and therefore can never be associated with such acts of inhumanity as portrayed in the molestation allegations against him.
Also, if he is said to be prudent or stern in handling his businesses or enterprises, he should not be castigated or blamed because most of the ailing or abandoned industries of both the state and the Federal Government were reduced to nothing as a result of mismanagement.
Apparently, Kenneth Gbagi’s opponents in the governorship race are aware that his credentials towards winning the race are unbeatable. Therefore, a competition like this, requires the ability to campaign or convince the electorates and to also showcase what they’ve done to make the masses support their aspiration.
They are therefore advised to discontinue the act of blackmail or calumny in politics, since the same does not portray the spirit of sportsmanship or oneness as expected from the people of the same Political party and ideology.
BY OGHENEAKPOBO I.E, a Political Analyst and PDP stalwart writes from Warri, Delta State.

Politics

Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery

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Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery

Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery

The Youth wing of the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Comrade Agboola Akinpelu Dare is calling for an investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the chairperson of Epe Local Government Area.

This isn’t the first time Animashaun has faced these allegations, which initially surfaced ahead of the last council election in Epe local government ¹.

According to a video shared on social media by Nifemi Vibrant, Animashaun is accused of forging her certificates, which would disqualify her from holding public office under the 2022 Electoral Act.

Another prominent figure from Epe, Olanrewaju Babatunde, also known as Bob Tarner, has come forward to accuse Animashaun of forging her certificates from primary to university level ¹.

The PDP is urging the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and other relevant government agencies to invite Animashaun for questioning and to scrutinize her credentials.

They argue that Epe is known for academic excellence and deserves better representation ¹.

Lagos PDP Kicks As Epe Council Boss Gets Enmeshed In Alleged Certificates Forgery

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Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

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Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

 

 

 

The United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, citing worsening insecurity and a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

 

Pro-democracy group tells Tinubu to declare state of emergency in Zamfara over insecurity, political repression

 

The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

 

Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

 

“The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

 

He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

 

“What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

 

He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

 

“If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence, not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

 

“The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

 

“We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces to take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

 

The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

 

“This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.

 

Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

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“I Have Proof!” – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Expose Akpabio Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

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“I Have Proof!” – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Expose Akpabio Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

“I Have Proof!” – Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Vows to Expose Akpabio Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

Abuja, Nigeria – The political battle between embattled Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a dramatic turn, as the suspended lawmaker has vowed to release damning evidence supporting her allegations of sexual harassment.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood by her explosive claims, insisting that she has concrete proof to back her allegations.

“At the right time and in the right place, I will present the evidence that I have,” she declared, sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape.

Political Vendetta or Truth Unveiled?

The senator’s latest revelation follows her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate, a decision she has repeatedly decried as a political witch-hunt orchestrated by Akpabio in retaliation for rejecting his alleged advances.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate President has been on a mission to destroy her political career, using his influence to frustrate her at every turn.

The battle between both lawmakers has sparked heated debate, with public outcry demanding an independent probe into her allegations. Many Nigerians see her suspension as an attempt to silence a strong female voice in a male-dominated political space.

INEC Rejects Recall Petition: A Small Victory for Akpoti-Uduaghan

In a separate twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting a petition seeking her recall from the Senate. The embattled senator described the move as belated but necessary, suggesting that the recall attempt was part of a larger scheme to push her out of office permanently.

While Akpabio has yet to respond to her latest claims, political analysts warn that this confrontation could shake up Nigeria’s legislative structure, forcing a deeper conversation about abuse of power, gender-based harassment, and political victimization at the highest levels of government.

What’s Next?

With Akpoti-Uduaghan vowing to release explosive evidence, all eyes are now on what proof she possesses and how it could impact Akpabio’s political future.

If her allegations hold weight, the Senate President could face one of the biggest scandals in Nigeria’s political history—one that could trigger calls for his resignation or even legal action.

For now, Nigeria waits, as the storm brews in the Senate.

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